Trading places: Who is having the biggest impact at his new club

Last year’s AFL trade and free agency period was one of the biggest in years with lots of big names changing their colours. Essendon and Port Adelaide hit trade and free agency particularly hard and both came away with swags full of opposition clubs’ players who have made big marks this season. Young and dynamic players like Charlie Cameron and Lachie Weller were good news stories for the Queensland clubs who have had trouble attracting talent this decade. Let’s take a look at the players who have made the biggest impacts at their new clubs

Former GWS half-forward Devon Smith made his way over to Essendon and has arguably been the Dons’ best performed this year. Smith has found himself further up the ground this and leads the competition in tackles, averaging an incredible 8.5 a game.

Former number one pick Bryce Gibbs last year made his long-anticipated move to the Crows. Unfortunately for the former Blue Adelaide have taken a tumble down the ladder due to an extensive injury list but the long-kicking mid’s football has been a shining light at the beleaguered side.

Ex-Crow Charlie Cameron was in the form of his life for Brisbane in the first half of the season. The small forward added a much needed edge to the Lions’ attack. Cameron’s year ended after only 11 games when he had to go in for foot surgery due to a lisfranc injury but he is only 24 and will be a long time player for the Lions.

Charlie Cameron taking flight was the cherry on top for @brisbanelions fans.

Tom Rockliff was slow to start at his new home in Alberton. The former Lions’ captain had little impact early in the season but has now well and truly found his feet in the Power midfield. His decision making and hardness are again stand out parts of his game.

The speed and dare that Adam Saad showed at the Suns caught the eye of Dons’ list manager Adrian Dodoro. Dodoro got his man and Saad brought all his tricks with him. Along with Irish half back Connor McKenna they’ve become one of the most devastating rebounding attacks in the competition.